The role of women in the Archdiocese of Dublin must be addressed to ensure full participation as many express a “sense of marginalisation”, according to a report from an archdiocesan taskforce. The report, called ‘Building Hope’, aims to map out the development of the archdiocese’s pastoral plan. The taskforce began its work six months ago…
The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious Ireland (AMRI) is engaged in “ongoing dialogue” with the Department of Justice over issues regarding the Minister of Religion visa. Justice A working group was established by AMRI to dialogue with the Department of Justice “over the difficulties associated with acquiring Minister of Religion visas, and this…
The Bishop of Derry warned that a private member’s bill calling for integrated education in the North is a “very narrow piece of legislation”. Bishop Donal McKeown was speaking as the Stormont education committee took views on the proposed legislation by Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong. Currently there is legislation which obliges the Department of Education…
The funeral of the last remaining founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and civil rights activist, Austin Currie, evoked poignant tributes from many who have benefitted from his tireless campaigning for civil rights in Northern Ireland. Speaking during one of two funeral Masses held for Mr Currie, chief celebrant Fr Dean Kevin…
Nearly 20% of Irish women changed their minds about getting an abortion in 2020, according to HSE figures obtained by Laois-Offaly TD Carol Nolan. There were 6,455 abortions in Ireland in the first trimester of pregnancy in 2020, but 8,057 women had an initial consultation with a doctor about receiving an abortion. This has been…
Covid-19 may have struck “at the very heart” of the Church’s outreach and ministry to the sick, the dying and the bereaved, but it “could not, and did not, and will not destroy” the hope and belief that God is with those who are suffering, Archbishop Eamon Martin told those gathered at Knock last Saturday.…
A commitment from Stormont to launch an inquiry into mother and baby homes in Northern Ireland has been hailed as a “watershed moment” by Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill. The Northern Irish Executive is committed to the “unequivocal and full implementation” of the recommendations set forth by an expert panel, which included measures such as…
US President Joe Biden sent the Irish rugby team a prayer and asked them to “spread the faith” before their win against New Zealand’s All Blacks over the weekend. Mr Biden sent a letter prior to Saturday’s match wishing them luck and sending them a blessing. He said: “As the Irish blessing says, ‘Wherever you…
The Discovery Gospel Choir, Ireland’s most diverse and inclusive choir which features 14 nationalities, performed for the first time in 19 months at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Sean MacDermott Street as part of the Global Village Live concert. The concert, which was part of an event to promote inclusion and integration hosted…
The conviction of three men for abducting and torturing businessman Kevin Lunney sends a “very strong message” to criminals who have been intimidating people for decades in the border region, according to a Cavan-based priest. Fr Oliver O’Reilly PP of Ballyconnell, who received threats for condemning the attack from the pulpit, told The Irish Catholic…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones